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Modern Drummer #002 - Compressed
Modern Drummer #002 - Compressed
Name this famous drummer who played with the big bands of Bunny Berigan, Benny Goodman, Artie
Shaw, Charlie Spivak and Tommy Dorsey, pictured below in the drum chair of the 1945 Woody Herman
Band.
One year's free subscription to Modern Drummer magazine to the first 10 winning entries postmarked
before May 15, 1977. Winners will be announced in our next issue.
For the answer to last issues Famous Drummers Quiz, and our ten winners, see page 20.
Editor's
Overview
Q. I am looking for information on "Flat Jack" Drums. They fingers. Though the French grip has advantages for the profes
were or are a complete drum set resembling the new Remo sional timpanist, it generally will cause problems for the
"RotoToms", and were introduced sometime in the early novice. A pleasing tone is possible by either means.
60's. Can you help?
D. D. Q. I am interested in learning more about an organization of
TRAVERSE CITY, MICH. drummers whose specialty is rudimental style playing. I have
been told such an organization exists. Can you help?
A. Information on "Flat Jack" Drums can be obtained from H. J.
Ralph Kester, Drumland, 2216 North Dixie Highway, Lake PALO ALTO, CALIF.
Worth, Florida, 33460.
A. The organization you are speaking of is the NARD.
Q. What should I look for when choosing suspended cym National Association of Rudimental Drummers. For more in
bals for my High School percussion section? formation try contacting the Ludwig Drum Company, 1728
T. L. N. Damen Ave., Chicago, III. 60647.
DETROIT, MICH.
Q. I prefer gut snares for military style playing, however my
A. Avoid cymbals which are too heavy or large. Suspended drum just doesn't seem to have that crispness I need. Can this
cymbals should be relatively thin for quick response. It's also a be remedied?
good idea to purchase several cymbals of varying sizes and E. L.
weights to cover a complete range of dynamic levels. SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ.
Q. Should I use a heavier stick for practicing? A. Sure can. Try giving each snare a few coats of clear lac
S.D. quer. This eliminates a lot of moisture which causes the snares
LINCOLN, NEB. to stretch in bad weather, but more importantly, it makes the
individual snares hard and brittle resulting in that crispness
A. The consensus of opinion among top teachers and players you're looking for.
recommends the same weight and type of stick for both prac
ticing and on the job playing. Experiment with various makes Q. I understand there is a small company in Canada who cus
and models until you hit upon the one which meets your tom builds and designs drum equipment particularly for rock
needs in terms of both practicing and actual performance. players. I've been told that several reputable players have had
their equipment made by these people. How about a lead?
Q. What is the best way to achieve the slap sound on a Conga G. C.
drum? SEATTLE, WASH.
T. M.
W A Y N E . N . J. A. The company you're referring to is Milestone Percussion,
Ltd., 977 Pinewell Crescent, Richmond British Columbia,
A. The conga should be struck with a wrist action relatively Canada. Look for a complete report on this unique company
close to the edge of the conga with the back part of the palm in a future issue of MD.
of the hand. As the back part of the palm strikes the conga,
the remaining fingers strike the drum in a flamlike manner. Q. I am continually breaking my 13" small tomtom head. I
do a lot of heavy playing and use a 5A Nylon tip stick. Can't
Q. I am looking for a good drum book geared for teaching seem to figure out the problem. Help!
young drum students in a group situation. J. V.
R. L. OAK RIDGE, TENN.
INDIANAPOLIS, IND.
A. This is something that under normal playing conditions
A. Several exist, however the most popular among numerous should not happen regularly. Todays heads are designed and
school music people seems to be DRUM CLASS METHOD, in engineered to withstand tremendous force. Could be any one
Volume I and 2, by Alyn J. Heim, published by BelwinMills, of a number of reasons. I) Uneven tension distribution on
Melville, N. Y. batter head. 2) Head is simply overtensioned. 3) You may be
playing directly "into" the drum rather than pulling the stick
Q. Could you kindly explain the basic difference between the off the head slightly after each stroke. Playing "in" not only
overhand timpani stick grip and the French grip? breaks heads, but kills true tonal response as well. 4) The
W. K. angle of your stroke into the drum could be too great, due to
NIAGARA FALLS, N. Y. an over severe angling of the drum itself, thus causing the
point of the stick tip to strike the drum rather than the
A. The overhand grip is basically the standard matched grip, rounded portion; a sure way to break the head.
palms down with the stroke being produced by the wrist. In
the French grip, the thumbs are facing upwards, palms facing
each other, the stroke being produced for the most part by the
On the clinic trail with ROY BURNS
by BOB ALLAN
Roy Burns is the kind of guy. who difference between playing in four and
on first meeting, makes you feel as playing in two. Kenny Burrell and Zoot
though you've known him for twenty Sims were both on the band at that time
five years. He's sincere, outgoing, and just to play with those guys was a
personable, and totally dedicated to his learning experience. I didn't realize just
chosen profession. how much I was learning u n t i l five years
A midwesterner • from Emporia, after I left the band. Without that
Kansas to be exact • his natural inclina
tion for drumming got him on the bands "TO ME IT'S ESSENTIAL THAT YOUNG PEOPLE SEE THAT YOU
of Woody Herman and Benny Goodman CAN BE A PROFESSIONAL, UNDERSTAND YOUR INSTRUMENTS,
while still practically a teenager. A STILL PLAY WELL, AND STILL TAKE TIME OUT TO ANSWER A
noble feat, to say the least. QUESTION FOR A YOUNG GUY. WHEN I GET TOO IMPORTANT TO
After a lifetime of vast musical
experience, Roy now devotes most of ANSWER A YOUNG GUY'S QUESTION - THEN I THINK I OUGHT TO
his lime in the capacity of clinician for GET OUT OF THE BUSINESS."
the Rogers Drum Company, a job which experience, I don't think all the things I things with NBC, and I did the Merv
takes him to cities all across the did later would have been possible. Griffin Show for a long time. Plus, I did
country. He's very much in demand as a M D : What about your relationship with the Tonight Show on Monday nights
clinician and it's not hard to figure out Benny? and Jack Parr, occasionally. I also did a
why; a Roy Burns clinic is a memorable R B : Benny was very nice to me. Of lot of commercial jingles for a whole
educational experience. It's not un course, he has his problems like every bunch of people.
common for Roy to voice his views on one else, and we eventually did have MD: How did the transition from
the matched grip, time division, rolls, some disagreements, but I must say for studio musician to clinician come
rudiments, and finger control, not to the first two or three years, he was very about?
mention a wealth of ideas regarding nice to me. It helped me a lot there's RB: Rogers wanted me to do some
choosing and caring for cymbals, tuning no doubt about it, especially the big clinics, but I was always tied up with a
drums, and practicing techniques all band experience. TV show or working with a group.
within the course of one lecture MD: Who else have you worked with When I was free to do a clinic they
demonstration. Roy can and often will during your career? didn't have anything set up, so they
• cover just about everything a young R B : Buck Clayton, Charlie Shavers, offered me this fulltime clinic position.
drummer might have reason to be Gene Sedrick, Joe Bushkin, Ben We eventually worked it out so I could
concerned about. Webster, Marty Napoleon, and I was on keep playing and still do the clinics.
Anyone spending time in the Lionel Hampton's band for about a Now I've gotten more into adver
presence of this gentleman can't help year; that was a great experience. The tising and developing the new products
but get the impression of a man who is first record date I ever did was with like Memrilok hardware, and writing a
bursting over with a true love for drums, Teddy Wilson, and I also spent some lot of the educational material about
compounded with a deep compassion time with Woody Herman's band. When the Paiste cymbals. All of this has really
for young drummers, with whom he I joined Benny, he had just made the broadened me out. It's opened my ear
feels a special kinship. The man is a "Benny Goodman Story". The band up to new sounds and new ways of
study in positive attitudes reflected in a was going through a big revival, and here doing things; working with the engineers
sincerity that comes across just as was this young looking kid playing and other people in our company has
crystal clear as his snare drum touch. drums. It all seemed to work out great. helped me to understand sound better
His clinics are a virtual labor of love a M D : You were quite active in studio than I ever did before. I think it has
sheer pleasure to watch. work in New York at one time, at a helped my playing,
We caught up with Roy at a clinic fairly young age. How did you break in? MD: Your technique is truly outstand
sponsored by Victor's House of Music in RB: I was working in New York and ing.
Ridgewood, New Jersey, where after an doing a lot of teaching for Henry Adler RB: Thank you. Some guy once asked
exhausting day of two 2½ hour long to stay alive. One of my first big breaks me, How long did it take you to get
lectures, Roy graciously sat with us just came on a record date Mel Lewis was your left hand that fast? I told him, till
prior to catching a flight to another doing that ran late. Hymie Schertzer last Thursday. I've been working on it
clinic city, to relax and answer a few was the contractor on that date, and all my life.
questions. somebody said, Hey, call that kid who MD: What's life like for a fulltime
MD:You were quite young when you plays with Benny's band he can read clinician?
started playing professionally with and hold a band together and he lives RB: Well, my schedule is quite varied,
Benny Goodman's band. What kind of nearby. So I went up and did the date; I but one year I counted where I did over
an experience was that for you music did pretty well and I met a lot of 60 concerts and clinics not counting
ally? people. From that, I began to get a lot travelling days. It's funny because every
R B : Playing with Benny Goodman's of other work. place I go nowadays, people say to me,
band, now that I think back, was like MD: What kind of studio work did you Gee, it must be a drag you're not
going to school. Isreal Crosby was the do in New York? playing anymore. One night in St.
bass player on that band, and when I R B : A lot of record dates. Eventually, Louis, I had been to three night clubs
played with him I suddenly realized the I got into the TV scene. I did some sat in did maybe a total of three hours
did the clinic and two rehearsals with view . . . I wanted to play one kind of So, we worked it out and it seems to
two college stage bands and some guy music more than another . . . I like to have become a standard also.
says to me, Gee, it's a shame you don't play in big bands. At this point, I get I think the best package I have
get to play anymore. to play with a great deal of college big out for young drummers is the "Big,
I do a whole bunch of playing bands more than I ever got to play Bad and Beautiful" album, with Dick
at once then I'll take a week off and with when I was doing studio work. Grove's band. It has a drum book
work inside Rogers then go back out What I really think I'd like to do is with all the manuscript parts in it; how
again. It gives me a chance to relax, continue to develop my own style. This to interpret a big band part and what to
practice, work on new things and then clinic job has really allowed me to do in a recording studio situation. I
go back out and play. concentrate on that, rather than just
MD: To watch you do a clinic, it seems doing the studio work which I had to do MD: You've been an established profes
as though you truly love your work. to make a living. Maybe, eventually I'll sional for a long time and you've exper
RB: I think that's pretty obvious and do something with a group, but I'm ienced a lot of playing situations. What
I think it's important that I do. To me, not sure I've got so many things in my drummers do you enjoy sitting down
it's essential that young people see that head and so many possibilities and, and listening to?
you can be a professional, understand fortunately, I can go in a lot of different RB: There are so many good players
your instruments, still play well, and directions right now. So, I'm just sort of around today that everytime you put
still take time out to answer a question laying back and enjoying it and waiting on a record man it knocks you out.
for a young guy. When I get too im to see where it's going to take me. I think Steve Gadd is terrific, and I
portant to answer a young guys ques MD: Your book, "Elementary Drum love Billy Cobham, Alphonse Mouzon,
tion then I think I ought to get out of Method", is widely used by teachers all Lenny White. I love to listen to some of
the business. I'm really grateful that across the country. How did you come the old Brubeck things with Joe Morello,
God's been good to me, along with about writing it? and some of the old Woody Herman
so many wonderful people. Without RB: When I was on the Benny Good charts with Sonny Igoe, and of course
people helping you it's pretty hard. I man band, I approached Henry Adler I love the way Buddy plays. Some of
don't think anybody does it all by along with a drummer by the name of my all time favorites are Louie Bellson,
themselves. I remember all the many Lou Malin. We had this idea to write a Art Blakey, Max Roach and Philly Jo.
people who helped me over the years, finger control book and we went to You know I really believe, there is
and that's why I try to be nice to all the Henry, almost certain he was going to no such thing as a famous drummer who
young guys who come to my clinics. I say no but he said yes. We wrote the doesn't play really well. Somebody
remember how helpful Louie Bellson and book and it's become a standard on the asked me once, Who influenced you?
Sonny Igoe were to me. They were subject of finger control. I could only reply, everybody I ever
very encouraging and maybe without I started playing Rogers in 1960, heard. And I mean that.
their help and encouragement, I might and Henry Grossman who owned If drummers would just share this
not be here today. I figure if I can Rogers at the time wanted an elemen thing and develop a feeling of love for
encourage some other young guy, tary drum book that was not assoc the instrument, for music, and help
maybe he'll do well and I can say well, iated with any particular drum comp each other. If we'd stop fighting with
I didn't do the work he did but maybe any something they could handle each other, and putting each other
I helped him feel more positive about through Rogers. Henry and I got a down, we'd all play better we'd all
himself. There are so many people hold of all the elementary drum books have more fun and the world would
making you feel negative from criticism, on the market and we tried to figure be a much nicer place to live.
that a pat on the back from someone out what was really necessary. We It means a lot to me when young
you admire can make the difference. wound up with about a onehundred drummers come out of my clinic and
That might get you through a lot of bad page book. The book was so expensive they can say, gee, I learned a lot and he
times. That's why I think what I do is to print that I ended up taking less plays very well, but....what a nice per
important. money for the book, simply because son. He makes me feel like being nice
MD: What do you find the average I didn't want to cut anything out. I and he makes me want to be a part of
drum clinicgoer of today wants to told Henry, if we cut anything out, it the music business. That's what
know? will end up just like every other book. we need more of. MD
RB: When I first started doing clinics
ten years ago, the type of question was
always, How can I play fast? Today, the
kids are asking things like: How do you
tune a drum to get that sound; how do
you know how to pick out a cymbal to
get it to do this; how do you develop
yourself to get this kind of coordina
ation; how do you play in different time
signatures. The questions are at a much
higher level and you can't fool them.
You can never lie to a young audience
they instinctively know.
MD: Exactly how active are you now
in the playing end of the business?
RB: Well, I do an awful lot of work on
my own. I have thoughts of eventually
forming my own group, but I'm not
so sure if I'm ready to take on that
whole group scene. I guess it's that I felt
I had a very strong musical point of
The old art of rope tensioned drum making
is alive and well in New England
bands and orchestras. He began teach a minimum of thirteen drummers • one
ing and his reputation as an outstanding each to represent the original thirteen
instructor was quickly established. He colonies.
was appointed drum instructor for the The band uses only drums (no
crack Lt. Norman Prince Drum and fifes), and, instructed by Mr. Eames,
Bugle Corps of Maiden. He has taught uses the famous Ashworth system of
drums for the W a k e f i e l d , Marblehead, drum beating. Charles Steward Ash
and Andover school systems and for worth, an Englishman who enlisted in
St. Mary's Drum and Bugle Corps in the U. S. Marines in 1802, introduced
Beverly, in addition to his private the system to this country. The Linn
students. Village Drum Band has performed at
Now the only commercial drum the World's Fair in New York, on tele
maker except for some toy drum man vision, at pageants and parades, through
ufacturers in New England, he began out the eastern United States.
his drum making business 19 years ago. The band was organized to perpetu
And, therein lies a story. ate the ancient rudimental system of
George B. Stone and Son, Inc. of snare and bass drumming. This style of
Boston, back in the 1890's had bought drumming has always been characteris
out the six or eight drum making firms tic of New England Fife and Drum
in the area and had become the last of Corps, particularly in the State of Con
the New England drum makers. In necticut, where there are still many
1949, Ralph Eames purchased the Stone "Ancient" Fife and Drum Corps playing
equipment and began his unique busi in the strict rudimental style, using
ness. deep, ropetension drums with the bass
Although he makes modern drums drums being played with solid wooden,
For many years, Mr. Ralph G. and tambourines, his specialty is the beaters. Another outstanding feature of
Eames of Wakefield, Mass, has been rope tension handmade drum the same the Corps is that they do not use a
keenly interested in preserving the stir type that drummed the Pilgrims to Drum Major but depend upon the Drum
ring r h y t h m s that sprang from the sticks church in the days of the colonists, the Sgt. for all signals.
of Colonial drummers. Just as a picture drum that accompanied the Revolution It took Eames 18 months of hand
is said to be worth a thousand words, he ary soldier's march, and the drum that labor to make the 18 drums belonging
felt t h a t only the creation of an authen beat for the Blue and the Gray in the to the Corps. The shell or main part of
tic drum band one t h a t could be seen 1860's. the drums is made of New Hampshire
and heard could do justice to these For Mr. Eames, it's a work of love. birch. The hoops are of Vermont maple.
drum beats of yesteryear. As an instruc An anachronism in today's world of The Ears, which are used to tension the
tor and maker of drums, and a recog mass production and automation, the drums are made of genuine leather,
nized authority on drum history, he handcrafting of the drums revives the hand laced with rawhide. The rope is of
was eminently qualified to undertake era when artisans took deep pride in Italian hemp. The snares are made of
such an effort. their work, fashioning with meticulous the intestines of sheep. All metal parts
They called him "Mr. Drum" on a care, and taking the time necessary to are of solid brass. The hoops are stained
national TV show. He once referred to achieve perfection. cherry color and the shells are stained
his drummaking business as "the Seventyfive steps are followed in Salem Maple color. The drum heads are
world's smallest drum shop". Certain it the process, beginning with the selection of calfskin.
is that he deserves the t i t l e as profes of the justright birch wood, steam
sional drummer, drum instructor, and bending it, and allowing it to dry thor
drummaker. His "drum shop" might be oughly before it is given its circular
"small" by some standards, but it is big shape in a special form, and ending with
enough to be known throughout the the affixing of the head and "ears" to
country, big enough to receive orders the drum.
from the government, from all six New The Linn Village Drum Band was
England states, from states across the organized on Feb. 7, 1961. However,
nation. It is big enough and the quality the idea and hopes for such a band has
of his work fine enough to have mu been Ralph Gardner Eames' for many
seums, organizations, and individuals years. Many months before the first re
seeking his service in the restoration of hearsal, Ralph and one of his earliest
historic, ancient drums. boyhood friends, Charles E. Climo of
Drums and drumming have been Wakefield, had many discussions con
part of Ralph Eames' life since, as a lad cerning every detail for such a band.
of nine, he received his first drum, a It was a modest beginning, com
gift from his grandfather. By the time prising only four or five members at the
he was a Wakefield High School student, outset. Interest soon spread, however,
he had earned acclaim as a drummer amongst amateur drummers in the area
and xylophonist, and had appeared on who recognized the need and who en
the Major Bowes Amateur Hour. Then joyed the association of drumming to
came association with a number of gether. As a result, the band now fields
NEW ENGLANDERS have always been extremely proud of the impor-
tant role their forefathers played during the Revolutionary period of
our country's history. For this reason, the people in this area have
often gone to great lengths to help preserve the many facets of their
Colonial heritage.
THE MARTIAL MUSIC which sounded through hill and valley those
many years ago has not been neglected either.
The Corps makes use of regular Mr. Eames' restoration work has
bass drums, barrel bass drums and snare also won him fame. Most recently, he
drums. It is quite generally agreed that restored a 1751 drum for the Historical
the regular type bass drums were used Society of Westminster, Vt. Many in
by Turkish infantry musicians. There dividuals bring their prized drums to
is also evidence that a kind of drum of him usually with a family yarn that a
this type did exist 3000 B. C. Many of great grandfather "carried it in the Civil
the old drums were made by coopers War". Some do date back to the 19th
who made fish barrels, etc. Old drums century; many do not; but each is a
were also made by coffin makers. The treasured possession to its owner, and
barrel bass drum receives its name from each receives the meticulous attention
the cooperage makers and were known of a top craftsman Mr. Eames.
as halfbarrel drums, full barrel drums, The Eames' have a son, Ralph G.
etc. This type of drum is also known as Eames, HI, and a grandson, Ralph G.
a square drum because they are as deep Eames, IV. With two successors in
as they are wide. line, it may be that the name of Ralph
Many of the drums of this type Eames, "Mr. Drum" will be perpetu
used by the U. S. Army and Navy ated. MD
in the Mexican and Civil Wars were
made by William Chute Tompkins, some
of which may still be seen at the New
York Historical Society. Well known
drum makers in more recent years have
included Eli Brown of Connecticut,
George Burt Stone of Boston, and
Wakefield's Ralph G. Eames.
In addition to precision drumming,
the band is recognized for its unique
tonal quality. This is derived in large
part from the proper balancing of three
types of drums the snare, the bass, and
the barrel. Rope tensioned and com
plete in every detail, the drums are true
reproductions of originals and represent
the different styles common to the
period.
The band is costumed in the splen
did multicolored uniforms of the per
iod, from tricorn hats on down. A thir
teen star Betsy Ross type flag is carried
by one of the members during marching
maneuvers.
The band has a large and varied
number of selections in its repertoire,
and performs each in the same style as
was done those many years ago. It also
holds strictly to the same cadence which
was in general use at that time.
Membership has remained pretty
constant since the formation of the
band. Most of the members are former
or present drum pupils of Mr. Eames,
since the drumming system is special
ized.
ED SOPH
by MICHAEL ROZEK
Then I concentrated on playing in the 'Here's a piece of paper. We want you
big jazz bands on campus with people to play this pattern over and over and
like Billy Harper, Lou Marini, Mike over'. I miss the rapport and the excite
Lawrence." ment". Soph's favorite drummers, ac
Soph graduated from North Texas cordingly, are a host of sensitive percus
State in 1968, and through Cannonball sionists from Baby Dodds to Elvin
Adderley's recommendation, immed Jones—players who, as Soph paraphras
iately joined (along with classmate Lou es T. S. Eliot, "keep the thin golden
Marini) the Woody Herman band. In thread of tension going".
previous college summers, Soph had Despite his critical feelings toward
gained experience on tour with Ray music education, Soph is an active clin
M c K i n l e y — b r i e f l y — a n d Stan Kenton, ician. "Clinics don't mean just playing a
whom he characterizes as "an angel". drum solo with a high school band;
Reprinted with permission of down beat Soph spent the next three years they're a matter of a week or two, and
"When I was four or five", remem working and recording with Herman not just talking about music, but get
bers 30 yearold drummer Ed Soph, while fulfilling his military obligation ting into all aspects of life and reflecting
"I started taking piano, but I was also as a conscientious objector. Then he on your artistic expression or lack of it.
fooling around with the drums. I was returned to North Texas State as a I've done clinics where one night we'll
lucky to have a supportive f a m i l y ; my graduate assistant, teaching drum set play New Orleans style, the next bebop,
f a t h e r would put on his Dixieland rec (with an English degree), and encoun and the next free form—for all the kids,
ords, tap the beat on my head, and I'd tering more frustrations within jazz not just the drummers. It's a great les
play along on my wood block. academia: "I had some really good son in roots. Kids coming out of these
"When I was 13, I decided I wanted students. And a good student, to me, music schools have no idea of the roots.
to take drum lessons. I studied with an is someone you learn from too. But the For a young drummer right now, it's
excellent teacher, Elder Mori, in Hous schedule was really bringing me down; either Buddy Rich or Billy Cobham. Or
ton. At the same time, I was playing if you're with a student and the hour's maybe he'll try to play like Elvin. The
afterhours sessions in Houston with over, goddamn it, screw the hour. student needs security around his in
people like Jimmy Ford, Arnett Cobb, Plus, they had juries at the end of each strument, but he also should know how
and Don Wilkerson. I also played tym semester; a student plays one exercise the music evolved...."
pani in a youth orchestra, which helped and that's supposed to show whether Soph hasn't entered the studio
my chops. And then, in 1963, I went to or not he can play drum set. scene in New York. He remembers, less
North Texas State." "Late in 1971, I felt a little stagna than fondly, his time at a Dallas "jingle
At this point in his narrative, Soph tion setting in. I figured the best place mill". "I had to walk into a session and
becomes a bit emotional, but not with to go to get my ass kicked was New turn off all emotional responses to the
out an attendant strain of reason: "I York. Well I really got it kicked—I was music. And jazz is emotional expres
didn't get anything out of the music ed so shy I wanted to go up to somebody sion. I guess guys get trapped with
ucation program at North Texas State. and introduce myself—and I was con families—and the money sure is great—
I guess I didn't have much discipline, tent to sit at home and practice. Finally but I came to New York to play jazz.
because we'd be told to write a Bach I sifted through all the, "When you get I've had to scuffle, but that's minor,
chorale and I'd come in with something to the city, call me", crap and called since with the one life I have to live,
completely different, which the teacher Clark Terry. There has been work ever I'm doing what I want to do."
would love. Then, when the reports since. I learn something from Clark MD
came out, I had an F in the course. My every time I play with him; he's an en
heart wasn't in the academic aspect of tirely musical person and there's no
the music ... you had to take required bullshit about him...."
courses and you didn't have any time Besides working and recording with
for your main instrument. You had to Terry's large and small groups, Soph has
learn how to play C major scales on the backed a number of singers since com
clarinet and oboe so when you got out, ing to New York, most recently Vic
you could teach some poor little kid Damone at the Rainbow Grill. And he
how to play, after you'd taken a half appears on Bill Watrous' first Manhattan
semester course on the subject—ridicu Wildlife Refuge record. He's also audi
lous. I resented the fact that the whole tioned for Bill Evans, "a gig I didn't
program was built on mediocrity. I get. But I did a lot of playing with him,
figured the only way I could excel was and t h a t was just beautiful. To me, jazz
to concentrate; and since my first drum is something where there's conversation
teacher at North Texas, Tommy Gwin, going on between all members of a
was so marvelous, I had enough of a group, and they're all speaking the same
foundation by sophomore year to language. Now that's falling by the way
change my major from Music to English. side; leaders are saying to the drummers,
by JOHN McGARRITY
Drum-Set Shoppers Guide PART 2
FIBES
CF Martin Organization
Box 329
Nazareth, Pa. 18064
CYM- SET STA- WAY - Snare Drum Bumper FIBES UNIBALL SNARE DRUM STAND
TRADITIONAL GRIP, MATCHED GRIP, THE CONTROVERSY GOES
ON AS ADVOCATES FROM BOTH SIDES TAKE STANDS. ART VER-
THE MERITS OF
NON TAKES AN INTERESTING LOOK FOR MD READERS AT . . . . THE MATCHED GRIP
For anyone u n f a m i l i a r with the matched grip is more conducive to that present technical problems.
matched, g r i p t r a d i t i o n a l grip contro accurate consistency of sound from The Rudimentalist: The look of a corp
versy, let me briefly state that the either hand. with a similar grip between snare drum,
matched grip is simply gripping both If we look for a moment at the timptom and keyboard players is surely
drum sticks similarly, the left hand the golf club or the tennis racquet grip, improved and impressive. There is no
same as the right. The standard left we will note that each grip was de indication whatsoever that the matched
hand position, with its uncomfortable signed to produce a maximum result grip would in any way inhibit the rudi
forearm up characteristic, is out of the from the accompanying stroke. The mentalists quest for exacting, precision
picture. Of course the t r a d i t i o n a l grip tennis player even has a few grip styles, like execution. On the contrary, per
advocate will quickly point out that for handling various strokes, for max formance in this area might very likely
numerous players have demonstrated imum results in getting the ball over be improved.
outstanding t e c h n i c a l ability with the the net. Is there any reason why the The Set Player: It is interesting to note
traditional grip, which is c e r t a i n l y true, drummers grip should not afford him the gradual acceptance of the matched
(e.i. R i c h , Morello, Bellson), however the same maximum result from his grip technique amongst many of the
this is the exception, not the rule. The stroke in terms of drum stick dexterity? outstanding modernists of today, (Billy
fact still remains, with evidence to back The standard grip does not afford him Cobham, Lenny W h i t e , etc.). The set
it up, that the matched grip will pro this maximum potential. player is looking for ease of playing,
duce quicker hand development, plus Let's look at how the matched grip power and endurance. He can't be both
a greater degree of long term muscular would affect drummers in various phas ered with what is considered traditional
flexibility, control and endurance. es of performance. and what is new and unique. He is inter
The t r a d i t i o n a l grip was primarily The Beginning Student: It has been ested in what works well for him and
devised to meet the needs of the rudi proven that a more balanced perform the matched grip affords him all of the
mental snare drummer. The marching ance and appearance is more quickly above, and so, he uses it. Leading with
snare drum was naturally angled down attainable through the use of the either hand becomes more natural.
wards to the right. The traditional left matched grip. Much of the time spent Complex movement around the drum
hand position was easier considering in equalizing the hands is avoided. Per set is greatly simplified as the natural
the severe angle of the drum in relation formance at the early stages of develop inbalance of the hands is equalized to a
to the player. The practice has been car ment becomes easier and more satisfy great extent.
ried on to the present, and today its ing with more time available to concen The evidence is clearly in favor of
practicality is certainly questionable. trate on other matters of musical im the matched grip as more and more
In 1967, Gene Pollart in his writ portance. artists and teachers than ever before are
ings for the Percussive Arts Society did The Concert Performer: The use of endorsing its obvious advantages. With
some interesting research. His study matched grip would unify the position all of the aforementioned, one would
clearly showed that four muscles are ing for the performance medium of the think the matched grip would be catch
utilized in the traditional left hand concert artist. The stick or mallet grip ing on faster than it has. Tradition, it
drum stroke; two for the downstroke for snare drum, timpani, xylophone, seems, is not so easily broken. It will
and two for the upstroke. The matched marimba, etc. would be similar. Along take time for change to occur.
grip utilizes thirteen muscles in the with matched grip being essentially eas Until the advantages of the match
complete action; six for the downstroke ier for the player in his movement from ed grip are fully recognized by the vast
and seven for the upstroke. His con one instrument to another, it also offers majority of players, teachers, and auth
clusion was very simple. The matched the serious percussionist a greater degree orities, it will most likely continue to
grip with its obvious utilization of more of musicianship. Interpretation and dy be, for the most part, nothing more
muscles of the left hand should result in namic balance can be more easily at than a very interesting and controversial
a much greater degree of speed, control tained, along with greater ease in the subject.
and endurance. The Pollart study also execution of quick, difficult passages MD
points out that the drummers lifelong
goal of obtaining completely equal dex
terity, speed, and control between the
two hands is actually an impossibility
with the traditional grip. The left hand
will never feel the same as the right
since different muscles are being used.
From a technical standpoint, I
maintain, 1) the matched grip affords
a much greater degree of endurance over
the traditional, 2) the difference in con
trol between both hands is very small
thereby avoiding the age old problem
of favoring the right hand over the left
in every form of drumming, 3) the MATCHED GRIP TRADITIONAL GRIP
together with the original beat. Most drummers prefer using
ROCK PERSPECTIVES heavy reverberation in place of the echo because the repeti
tion of the sound is not as sharp and the effect fades away
faster, therefore allowing for a faster beat.
ELECTRONICS: There are many other electronic devices being used by
drummers, but t h e y are not as universally accepted for dif
The Wave of the Future ferent reasons. The Moog drum, for example, is used for
special effects and the more complex rhythms. This is why
its use is limited to the most progressive rock and jazz groups.
by JIM WARCHOL Most important, this synthesizerinadrum demands the per
cussionist be exceptionally talented and experienced. Other
drummers use the likes of wahwah and volume pedals, ring
It would probably be fair to say the rock drummer modulators, and other distortion devices to suit their tastes
of today has done more in terms of revolutionizing equipment and their personal style of playing.
styles and changing tonal qualities of the instrument than any All these and many other advancements have come about
other group of musically related percussionist before him. The since the invention of the drum and rightfully so. Since the
look is towards heavy equipment, and lots of it; larger sizes, drum is the world's oldest instrument, it should be the most
more cymbals. The sound is powerful, dry and f l a t ; an inter advanced. But have drums evolved to the point where nothing
esting c o m b i n a t i o n of tonal p r o j e c t i o n and low overtones. And new can be done? Some say yes some say no.
yet, despite all of t h e drastic advances and improvements One thing is certain. Never before in the history of the
we've witnessed over the past decade or so, the ingenious rock instrument has the drummer had such a wide range of choices
drummer continues to explore and devise more extreme meas in terms of looks and sound in modern equipment. Certainly
ures of his own, over and above the manufacturer's finished the ingenuity of the young player is commendable, as is the
product to a t t a i n his own personalized sound. manufacturer's attempts at filling the new drummers needs.
They have the desire to compose and create just as any The look and sound of today is more alive and well
other musician. Consequently, today's drummer has not only than ever.
expanded t h e number and type of drums in a k i t , but has MD
also been aided by the use of electronics.
The combination of electronics and drums started when
drummers found it necessary to amplify their drums in order
to stay at a balanced volume with other amplified instru
ments. They could do this two ways; by using microphones
or by using specially designed pickups called contact micro
phones. E i t h e r way, drummers found t h e y could use electron
ic devices for special effects by running their microphones
through the device and then into the P. A. system. You could
argue for hours on end as to who the first percussionist was to
play through a phase shifter .or an echo chamber, but whoever
it was deserves a lot of credit for helping prove that drummers
are not just glorified metronomes.
Electronic effect devices and drums have worked together
with betterthanexpected success. The drummer who uses
electronics must know what kind of devices work well and
when to use them. This is most important to remember if the
drummer expects his or her performance to sound good. The
effect device should be used in a way t h a t will accent and
highlight the sound and tone of the drum.
Problems can and do occur occasionally if the drummer
is inexperienced in the use of electronics or if the device used
is hard to control or inconsistent. Take, for example. Carl
Palmer's mammoth drum kit. For those unfamiliar with Mr.
Palmer's set, he has eleven drums; each with its own builtin
minisynthesizer. In the studio, Mr. Palmer has control over
the sounds he creates because he has the advantage of over
dubbing and m u l t i t r a c k i n g . But l i v e , on stage, synthesizers
work almost on their own; each drum sounding different and
each sound clashing. Good for special effects? Maybe. But
hardly musical, and definitely not melodic.
There are, however, electronic effect devices which are
specialized in one sound, controllable, and most important,
consistent. The phase s h i f t e r is probably the most popular and
bestsounding device used by drummers today. This electronic
wonder has the a b i l i t y to bend the pitch of sound waves and
cause a driving, building, highandlow effect t h a t accents a
lengthy drum roll perfectly. Used at the right intervals in a
musical composition, the phase shifter combines with the
drum to give the perfect crescendo effect.
Echo chambers are gaining in popularity with drummers,
even though its use is limited. The echo effect works well only
on slow staccato beats because if played fast the effects run
JAZZ WHAT DOES AN ARRANGER - COMPOSER LOOK FOR IN A
WORKSHOP can't feel the drummer, I play straight what a horn player does and it also
by GABE. VILLANI
ahead, and hope for the best. Bird used makes him listen. That's what I teach
to sound different with different drummers in my classes, I teach them
rhythm sections, there is no ONE way. to be horn players.
G A B E : What drummers stand out in G A B E : You wouldn't try to improve
your mind? their technical sound?
JAY: A lot of guys, Charlie Persip, he J A Y : You mean like, "more high
stands out in my mind. Oh, also Roy hat"?
Jay Corre is an internationally Haynes, Denzil Best, Frankie Capp, G A B E : Yes.
known composer, arranger, and per these guys are musicians. Most drum J A Y : No, I don't care what they sound
former. He has performed with Buddy mers today are musicians. In 1963, I like technically. I only care about con
Rich, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Frank actually left the West Coast because I cept and emotion.
Sinatra to name a few. couldn't find a good drummer to play G A B E : Do you like drum solos?
Mr. Corre is currently director of with. I had to go to New York to find J A Y : I dig drum solos, not extended
Jazz studies at Barry College in Miami. a drummer that could lay it down and ones like, "turn the drummer loose."
He performs with his own group, THE listen. But that's changed. I don't believe in that. I dig drum solos
WORLD CITIZENS, and was recently Technical drummers don't impress that are part of the band, fours, eights, a
commissioned by The National Endow me, it's the feeling that really counts. chorus or two.
ment for The Arts to do an original G A B E : Are you saying that emotion is G A B E : What do you look for when you
Jazz work. most important? hire a drummer?
The rhythm section is the heart of the Jazz Ensemble,
and like its counterpart in our body, cannot be abused.
M a n y Jazz Ensemble directors spend hours rehearsing the
brass and reeds, but treat the rhythm section as an addendum
which is glued on later. When they add the rhythm section,
the group swings only from the top. It's a head swing with the
rest of the body, which should be propelled by the heart (or
rhythm section), being dragged along by the dogma and per
sistence of the mind.
The director, whose brass and reed sectionals were swing
ing, is now puzzled by the heaviness of the band. Rhythmic
figures which were swinging and skating along with the snap
and crack of an automatic pistol now are bogging down and
fragmentating like the rusty bark of a shotgun. What's the
Problem?—The rhythm section! However, they're not drag
ging or rushing—the piano player has two hands—the bass
player is plucking the four strings—the drummer has a fine
set of drums and four of the big "Z" cymbals—Well? What's
the hangup? The rhythm section is not doing their job.
What is it they must do to swing the group? Let's do a dis
section and determine the job of these four musicians both
individually and as a group.
In line with the rhythm section's basic function—to keep
time and play musically— the drummer has the muscle to be
an asset to the band or a complete detriment; and in too
many cases his performance falls in the l a t t e r category.
W H A T A R E THE PROBLEMS?
Because of the strong influence of rock, the drummer de
velops only t h e facilities he needs to perform in this media.
Namely, straight eighthnote feel in the right hand, syncopated
figures in the left hand and good independence or coordina
t i o n between the left hand and bass drum.
The use of the high hat with the left foot playing the tradi
tional 2 & 4 "chick" is not necessary. I don't mean to infer
t h a t what the rock drummer is doing is easy or demeaning, be
cause I am struggling w i t h some of the complex rhythms I
have heard or have seen in some drum books. However, w i t h
only these tools for rock playing, t h e drummer has e l i m i n a t e d
some basics which he will be confronted with in his perform
ance with the school jazz ensemble.
ON THE JOB
SOME F U N D A M E N T A L S FOR JAZZ R H Y T H M P L A Y E R S
1. Learn to play the bass drum softly. This piece of equip by NICK TODD
ment gives a solid bottom sound to the rhythm sections and
when played correctly adds intensity and percussiveness to the
string bass. If your taste is to eliminate the bass drum, use it THE "IN-DEMAND" CLUB-DATE DRUMMER
during your practice sessions at home and develop control of
the muscles in your leg. If the bass player and the group pre This article is directed to the jobbing dance band drummer,
fers the "no bass drum sound" then by all means eliminate it. the player who does not rely on music for his full income, pre
However, if the reverse is true, be prepared. fering to work two or three nights of onenighters, or in the
2. Practice getting a good "chick" sound on the hihats. capacity of house band drummer for parties, weddings, ban
Remember in jazz music (4/4 time) 2 & 4 really help to groove quets, and a host of other social functions. More than two
the band. thirds of all working semiprofessional drummers produce
3. The right hand playing the cymbal figure: revenue from this type of performance, making this one of
the most popular and common forms of semiprofessional
drumming. Thus, this magazine's decision to include this
column.
Though, literally thousands of drummers can be found on
club bandstands on any given weekend evening, it is interest
is of utmost importance. I cannot be strong enough in my con ing to note that some are more "in demand" than others.
cern for this essential. Practice this figure at various tempos The player averaging 75 to 100 jobs per year is obviously
because it's the medium to the mediumslow tempos which are doing something right. Just what does it take to be successful
the treacherous ones to maintain and make swing. in this field?
4. Work on synchronizing the accent: The indemand jobber first and foremost has acquired a
complete working knowledge and facility with all the predom
inant dance rhythms. This takes in a surprisingly large area:
Jazz, Shuffle, Waltz, Dixie, Polka, and the numerous Latin
American favorites such as the Rhumba, ChaCha, Mambo,
Samba, Bossa Nova, Tango, Merengue, Beguine and Bolero.
in the right hand with a good "chick" on the hihat. This will The modern rock sound with its numerous and varied dance
be your whip to control the time of the band. patterns is a whole study in itself. The outstanding player
knows the precise tempo of all the aforementioned, and can
Cymbals Open accurately lead his band in at the correct tempo if need be.
Cymbals Closed He is quick to make a necessary tempo adjustment should
the situation warrant. He makes an earnest attempt to keep
abreast of the latest dance styles through study material,
records and careful listening.
The successful jobber has learned the value of good time
keeping. He knows when a leader kicks off a tempo, he has
5. Develop the cymbal figure to be used on the hihat. Most every right to expect it to end at that same tempo. He is
drummers who are not familiar with this sound tend to play well aware of his responsibility as a time keeper, and he
the figure very s t i f f l y . Try for a more flowing sound. understands that rushing or dragging tempo is not only a
When you begin, you'll find that as the cymbals close and sign of unprofessionalism, but can also severely hamper
open, you'll experience some difficulty coordinating the left the good dancer. His pulse is solid and steady as a rock and
foot and right hand. Work slowly and when you are able to his feeling is swinging and rhythmic. He has developed a cer
increase the tempo, don't close the cymbals completely on 2 & tain drive which propels and lifts the band and the dancers
4 beat, just let them touch lightly. This will give you a better alike. He has learned t h a t lifeless, uninspired drumming will
flow and will help you achieve a more intense long hihat surely result in an equally uninspired band and dance floor.
sound. He is concerned with that dance floor, which in essence is
6. I like to think of the left hand as the seasoning or the paying his salary. He knows when to turn on the steam and
spicy aspect of your playing. Too much—and you've spoiled when to lay low, and like the professional showman, he has
the meat and potatoes. Work on all the coordination and inde mastered the inexact science of "playing the crowd".
pendence exercises as part of your practice and overall capa Very importantly, the creative player has developed good
bilities. However, be extremely careful to utilize your tech musical taste. He is seasoned in his concept of phrasing, and
nique only to enhance the group musically and rhythmically. how and when to compliment his fellow musicians. He knows
My favorite use of the left hand in a big band, just to pull his bands head arrangements and where to break, fill, and
everybody together, is to place the stick partially on the rim accent. He listens attentively in a pickup band situation,
and partially on the head and accent the 4th beat in the mea taking his cues quickly and accurately. Somehow, he can
sure. It's true that this can get monotonous. However, here's make it sound as if the pickup band has been rehearsing
where your creativity enters. Use that sound to start the band together for years. He knows most of the standard dance
swinging and when the arrangements change color and texture band repertoire and is highly adept at giving each tune a
so do you. prearranged quality. He knows how to control dynamic's
The student who has worked on these few jazz basics and and has learned that with sensitive musicians, he can actually
can incorporate them with musical intelligence will find that regulate the volume level. The sensitive small band who
his rock playing will be enhanced, and he will be an asset to has learned to respect his judgement will easily take direc
his jazz ensemble. MD tion in the dynamic's department.
Excerpted and Used with Permission, THE SELMER COMPANY, 1977 (continued on page 20)
RUDIMENTAL
SYMPOSIUM
AN INTRODUCTION TO TODAY'S DRUM CORPS
Drum & Bugle Corps' have certainly come a long, long way
since the early days when they were basically governed by the added tremendous rhythmic dimension to the drum lines.
rules and regulations set down by the American Legion and The corps of today also carries four or five machine type tim
the V F W . The corps' have gradually changed, matured and pani in the 20" to 32" range which have also added a great
progressed into the superb precision musical units they are deal of depth and color to the moving ensembles. Most corps
today. Today, the countries leading corps are governed under today use five or six bass drums in sizes ranging from 22" to
the rulings of the DCA (Drum Corps Associates) for Senior 36", each player utilizing two sticks. Bass drums have prac
Corps and the DCI (Drum Corps I n t e r n a t i o n a l ) the largest tically taken on the role of timpani's in the section arrange
organization in the U. S. and Canada for the nations leading ments, with the exception of the possibility of pitch variation.
Junior Corps. Both of these organizations have their own set Cymbal players have also grown to include four to six
of contest rules, designed and kept uptodate by its mem players utilizing cymbals that now range in size from 17" to
bers, with each organization also maintaining its own judges as large as 24". We've also seen the addition of one or two
association. sets of orchestra bells, marching xylophone or marimba and
Some of the leading Senior Corps represented by the DCA even gongs.
today are the New York Skyliners, the Hawthorne Cabelleros Drum section arrangements have also evolved from the
of Hawthorne, N. J., t h e Reading Buccaneers of Reading, Pa., simple N A R D style street beats to the sophisticated and highly
and the Yankee Rebels of Baltimore, Md. Leaders in Junior complex rhythmic and tonal variations of a moving percussion
Corps competition include the Blue Devils of Concord, Calif ensemble.
ornia, the Santa Clara Vanguard of California, the 27th Lan In future issues of Rudimental Symposium, we'll take a
cers of Lynn, Mass., and the Chicago Caveliers. deeper look into the techniques of corps percussion, the
If we look back just a bit, one finds that the corps of arranging of drum parts and their execution, judging and
twenty years ago consisted mainly of t w e n t y f i v e to thirty scoring, and just what the young drummer can and should
horns, a color guard of roughly twelve to sixteen members, do to prepare for the ever exciting field of drum and bugle
and a drum line which was usually about nine strong. By corps playing. MD
comparison, we find the corps of today has made remarkable
progress both in terms of precision and musicality. The aver
age horn line has increased to anywhere from f i f t y to sixty
five or more players and color guards of twentyfive to thirty
five, along with the addition of precision rifle sections. Visual EDITOR'S O V E R V I E W (continued from page 1)
effects are nothing short of spectacular and from a musical
standpoint, the corps of today will often be heard handling Rozek's profile takes a look at the man, Fred Wickstrom has
anything from poprock to jazz and classical arrangements. some tips on show work, and our standard roster of columns
Let's look for a moment at the basic advances in the drum rounds out our package for Spring '77.
lines. In the past, the average drum line consisted of three or Our first issue, along with being greeted by a barrage of
four snare drums, three or four single tenor drums, two single very encouraging letters, also brought a wealth of manuscripts
stick bass drums and one or two cymbal players. The average from writers all over the country with something to say. We
size bass drum was 26" and the largest cymbals were usually welcome this, and look forward to receiving your material. In
around 17". The drum lines of today are no longer just drum an effort to keep things simple however, please be sure to
lines, but rather full percussion ensembles in which a full enclose a selfaddressed stamped envelope and allow at least
array of percussion instruments are used. The average section six weeks for a publication decision. We'll be looking forward
today consists of twentyfive to thirtytwo members carrying again to your suggestions, comments and criticisms. We know
anywhere from four to ten snare drums. The single tenor drum we can't please everyone, but we'll certainly try.
has been replaced by the tripletom units mounted on a carry
ing bracket in sizes 14", 16", and 18". Tripletom units have EDITOR
The rudimental or open roll did not produce the sustained
COMPLETE closed sound needed in orchestral playing. The open roll with
its measured sound proved to be unmusical and cumbersome.
PERCUSSIONIST A technique for producing a smooth sustained sound had to
be developed. The drummer had to produce a sound similar to
the trumpet or clarinet players' technique of blowing an even
SUSTAINING SNARE DRUM TONES air stream through their instruments, thus producing an even
sound. To produce this sound, the closed roll proved to be
by GARY SPELLISSEY effective.
The major differences in techniques from playing the two
Rolling is the term used in reference to sustaining sounds beat to the orchestral roll is fundamentally simple. The closed,
on drums. Each percussion instrument has its own techniques buzz or press rolls are produced by playing with a greater
of rolling—each unique, but yet each similar in many ways. pressure upon the sticks as they come in contact with the
From this point, all references will be made to the snare drum drum head, creating a multiple amount of strokes. With the
roll. This limitation is made because of the quantity of percus multiple of strokes played with each hand, more strokes
sion instruments and their varied playing techniques. occur in any given space, so the sound of the roll is more
Rolls within the military style were called rudimental or dense or compressed. This creates a freedom of strokes within
open. Because most marching occurred outofdoors and be the roll. Rolls are dependent upon tempo, roll length and roll
cause of the importance of marching men to hear the drum type. The actual number of strokes within a closed roll is un
cadences, this style of playing demanded great volume and important, because the multiple bounces within the roll can
projecting power. Volume, force and rhythmic drive had to not accurately be tallied. The closed texture of the roll be
be developed. To fulfill these requirements, drummers prac comes the most important.
ticed and devised a doublestroke roll. This type of roll allow
ed for volume and outdoor rhythmic articulation. George
Lawrence Stone describes the military style roll:
The TwoBeat Roll is the pure roll of two beats of either
stick; the first beat struck, the second beat rebounded (bounc The above figure can be played many ways, depending
ed). A Beat and Rebound of either stick. upon the tempo. To call this figure just a five stroke roll
would be incorrect. At a fast tempo, this could be played as a
five stroke roll; however, the slower the tempo, the longer the
roll must be.
The open roll adds an element of rhythm because they are
measured. With the orchestral roll, the number of strokes
within the roll is variable. Secondly, the slower the tempo, the
greater the number of strokes to fill the given space. The un
measured closed roll can produce a smooth continuous sound.
However, the closed roll, to some extent, diminishes the po
The rudimental roll is based upon a rhythmic background, in tential of fortissimo playing.
this case, sixteenth note, which produces thirtysecond notes. The texture of a roll can also be altered by basing the roll
The drummer relies upon an even rhythmic pattern to gauge upon various rhythmic backgrounds.
his rolls:
Example "a" shows the actual roll notation. The rhythmic Assume a two beat roll is to be played in the above examples.
breakdown of strokes within the roll is written in example A background of sixteenth notes, example "a", would produce
"b". These examples show why the rudimental roll has a mea a roll of sixteen taps within the space of two beats. Sixteenth
sured rhythmic sound. note triplets, example "b", would yield twentyfour taps
The rudimental roll technique requires that each hand play within the space of two beats. The background of triplets
the two strokes evenly to produce a smooth, even, measured enables the player to play more notes w i t h i n the space of two
sound. The two beat articulation with each hand creates a beats. Thus, the texture of the roll becomes more dense. Mul
measured texture within the roll. Usually, within the rudi tiple bounce rolls would proportionately increase the density
mental style, the final stroke of the roll receives an accent for on the roll.
rhythmic impetus. To achieve the desired volume, this style Basically, both the open and closed rolls have been de
or technique worked well because the execution of the two scribed. Realizing their differences is one problem solved, but
beat roll enabled the player to raise his sticks high, thus pro an even greater problem arises in deciding upon each roll's
ducing more force and volume. Considering the purpose, particular use. Knowing the playing techniques of both types
volume, and earlier instruments, the military style of playing of rolls is of no value unless the application of the roll styles is
proved very successful. also known.
As drummers played fewer military events and more indoor Generally, rudimental rolls are distinguished by their out
concerts, different demands were made of them. Concert play door character or military sound and usage. The closed roll is
ing required different techniques from rudimental playing. used within a delicate orchestral situation. Most players are
aware of these general playing concepts. M a n y pieces of music ON T H E J OB (continued from page I7)
may begin with the phrase "in a m i l i t a r y s t y l e / m a n n e r " .
This i m m e d i a t e l y clues the performer as to t h e p l a y i n g s t y l e The truly conscientious drummer will have attained sub
of the music. M a n y concert marches have been w r i t t e n w i t h a s t a n t i a l reading a b i l i t y . Though he will very likely never be
t i g h t orchestral roll sound intended. Exceptions to the rule confronted with a chart for standard material playing, he
prove to be the most d i f f i c u l t . The p l a y e r must always listen never knows when he may have occasion to cut a show. He is
and be aware of e v e r y t h i n g around to distinguish how t h e rolls confident in his ability to handle the situation should the
are to be executed. In many cases, the roll type cannot be de occasion present itself. His reading ability also opens up a
cided upon by n o t a t i o n alone. much wider range of performing situations which he can
The acceptance and use of the percussion family is still in readily and confidently accept.
its i n f a n c y . Only recently have the percussion instruments The jobber can also solo when needed. He can easily feel
been r e a l l y utilized. Because of nonuse, percussion n o t a t i o n 4, 8, 1 2 or 16 bar phrases and can construct his solos within
is at a disadvantage. Roll n o t a t i o n is sometimes both vague t h a t format if necessary. He knows better than to break
and ambiguous. Professional players become aware of the no tempo while soloing in the midst of a flowing dance number.
t a t i o n a l shortcomings and a u t o m a t i c a l l y compensate. James His solos, for the most part are short and simply constructed
Moore offered this solution: and conducive to the dancers on the floor. He knows, he is
not being paid to perform a spotlight solo, but rather to play
music for dancing and entertainment.
Add to all this, his conscientious personal attitude and
sense of responsibility towards his role as a side man. He is
always on time for every engagement, set up and ready to go
at starting time. His appearance is neat, and his equipment is
always in topnotch playing condition.
The successful, indemand jobbing drummer is in demand,
Rolls to be played in a two beat style would be notated as because he has earned the respect of his fellow musicians.
shown in example "a". Closed orchestral rolls would be no He has competently prepared himself, and he continues to
tated by a wavy line through the note stem. With this system, work at mastering his craft. He is a totally professional, semi
the roll type would be indicated by the notation. Although professional. He is, and always will be in demand. MD
advantageous, this system's adoption is not warranted by its
use. The important point is that the problems are now being
recognized and attempts at clarification are being made.
A n o t h e r inherent problem in rolling is the use or lack of use
of the tie. Many times a composer notates sustains within the
percussion part that leave the performer stranded. So, the per
cussionist's judgement must be used to clarify the notational
ambiguity.
QUIZ WINNERS
The answer to our last issues F A M O U S D R U M M E R S QUIZ
was JO JONES. Our ten winners were:
RUSS L E W E L L E N , Pittsburgh, Pa.
OOPS!
C H A R L E S J A M E S , Honolulu, Hawaii
Our feature story on the legendary Chick Webb,
announced in Vol. 1, No. 1 and originally scheduled
WILLIAM THURSTON, Cumberland, Maine
for this issue, will appear in No. 3, July 1977.
We apologize for the error.
ED. HUGH ALL1SON, No. Hollywood, Calif.
SHOW & STUDIO
BECOMING A PERCUSSIONIST: MD talks with Fred Wickstrom
It's really sad to say that throughout my years of profes
sional playing, I've come across so many excellent drummers
who don't take the time to care for their instrument. You can
talk to any horn man and they're always doing something to
their instrument; replacing pads, cleaning, etc. Drummers not
all mind you, but too many have a tendency to neglect.
First off, you don't have to use any special tools. Your
drum key is really all you need. Let's start with the gutsy
drum of your set the snare drum.
First, remove your snares from the bottom head, and then
remove both heads. It's a good idea to tighten up the screws
which hold the lugs inside the shell at this point. They will scratch. Just start from the quarter turns and go diagonally
occasionally loosen up over the years from vibration. Wipe off across as described in the diagram.
the dust that accumulates around the edge. Replace the bot This same pattern should also hold true for large and small
tom head and finger tighten the lug bolts evenly around the tomtoms. The top head should be tight for a good stick re
drum. Tighten the lugs a quarter turn going diagonally across sponse. The bottom head is the one ,that gives you the depth
from one lug to the next until all the lugs are turned. (see of tone you want. Don't make it too loose or you'll sound
diagram) like a timpani. Just get the ripples out with perhaps one or
Be careful not to make the botton head too tight. Press two complete turns, and maybe one or two more turns to
your finger gently on the head. If the head moves in slightly, get the exact tone you're looking for.
the tension is probably about right; if not, turn back a quarter One final point which I think needs mentioning. I've
turn following the same pattern. The purpose of this is to spoken to hundreds of rock drummers on the subject of
create an evenness all around the drum. Follow the same steps removing the bottom heads from tomtoms. When you
for your top head. The top head should be tighter than the play with one head, you're limiting your tone quality. The
bottom and the snare should have a nice bouncy feel to it. head is struck once and the tone is reproduced with very
Keep in mind that drum heads do stretch, and after a little vibration. With both heads, you're producing greater
period of time depending upon how much playing you do tone vibration, plus resonance. The point is this; if you're
they loose some resilience. If your drum still doesn't have a after volume, then one head is preferable. If you're after good
clean sound, you probably need new heads. It's best to change tone quality and resonance, then both heads should be used.
both heads at the same time. If you tune your drums fre The choice is yours. Experiment to see which is best for you.
quently, it's not necessary to remove the heads and start from Good luck. MD
"SPOTLIGHT ON JOE"
DRUM SOLOIST A Transcription of the Drum Solo from TAKE FIVE
(Joe Morello: Drums — with the Dave Brubeck Quartet)
Joe Morello, ranks among the "greats" of jazz drumming. cians. It's this combination of awareness and response that
He has won the respect and admiration of every drummer who makes Joe a very tasteful drummer. Supporting his great
takes his instrument seriously. An intense study of the artistic taste and musicianship are his touch, speed, and superb con
drumming of this man will give the drummer a deeper under trol. Another facet of Joe's playing, especially in his solo
standing of the drums, both as a solo instrument and as a work, is his use of Polyrhythms and his superimposition of
rhythm instrument. Joe, who is famous for his fantastic "left one time signature over another.
hand", should also be known for the other quallities which I hope, as you listen to Take Five and study the following
make him a great drummer. transcription, (pages 24, 25) you will listen for these aspects
First of all, Joe is a highly sensitive musician. He is totally of Joe's drumming, and that it will lead you to study some of
aware at all times of what is happening musically. This is a Joe's other great works. During the solo, listen for his creativ
great lesson for many drummers who shut themselves off in a i t y , technique, phrasing, and the freedom he has to work in
little box when they play, totally unaware of anything except the odd time signature of 5/4.
what they are doing. Along with this awareness, Joe also has a May the transcript be of some help to you, and a salute to
keen sense of complementing or responding to the other musi J o e , a truly "great"drummer.
DRUM SOLO FROM TAKE FIVE - JOE MORELLO: DRUMS
(After Desmond's Solo)
UNDERSTANDING RHYTHM
Copyright 1976 by GLEN A. PRIOR
triplet's name.
A second dot takes onehalf of the first dot and adds this Eighth note triplet (called that because of the single bar
to the total sum. A double dotted note always equals seven joining the three notes) equals one note larger than its name,
notes that are two note sizes smaller than the fundamental. that note being the quarter note.
Thus, a double dotted quarter note equals seven 16th notes,
or a double dotted half note equals seven eighth notes.
playing the three notes of the triplet evenly, they could be EXCLUSIVE INTER VIEW WITH ALAN DAWSON
thought of as: (Bagpipers that I know play them
PHIL EHART OF "KANSAS" MOVIN' UP
this way, even though the notes are written as triplets, but to
them, this is correct. So to make the above definition correct SPEAKING WITH BUTCH MILES
in our music, think of a triplet as: a group of three notes to
be played equally spaced in the place of two of the same MD CLOSEUP: THE ONTARIO COLLEGE OF PERCUSSION
kind.
Personally, I like to think of all numbers from two and SHOPPERS GUIDE LOOKS AT ROGERS TAMACAMCO
up in relationship to one pulse. For instance, if I'm playing
A LOOK BACK AT THE LEGENDARY CHICK WEBB
the following: , I look at the
BRAZILIAN DRUMMING
triplet with regards to the quarter note (the quarter note
representing one beat). So, I know if I'm tapping my foot
on every beat, that when I come to the triplet, (the second RECORDING STUDIO TECHNIQUES
beat), I would play those three notes equally spaced and in
the time span of the quarter note, so when my foot goes UNDERSTANDING RHYTHM: PART 3
down for the third time, I would be on the third beat.
JUST DRUMS
E L G E R C O M P A N Y L E A T H E R G R A I N C Y M B A L BAG RALPH C. PACE
1 7 1 6 Winchester Road. P.O. Box 469 L a t i n Percussion, Inc. has just add Box 63
Cornwells Heights, Pa. 19020 ed a vinyl companion to its already North White Plains, N. Y. 10603
successful canvas cymbal bag.
M I K E DOUGLAS' RON D I S T E F A N O The new version has the appearance SETTHE PACE PEDAL PRACTICE
CHOOSES TAMA DRUMS of leather at a fraction of the price. PADS OFFERS NEW MODEL
The material used is very heavy and
Ron DiStet'ano, the young and multi promises to be a long lasting, very use Ralph C. Pace has announced that in
talented drummer on the Mike Douglas ful product all drummers will want to addition to his present catalog of 24
Show, has chosen Tama as his exclusive own. models, a new type pad will be manu
drum set. The Vinyl Cymbal Bag can take up factured soon. Ralph C. Pace, Jr. who is
In explaining the importance of to a 22" cymbal and features in addi shown modeling this pad has been in
Ron's endorsement, Tama marketing tion to its heavyduty zipper closure, a strumental in developing this new
director, Jeff Hasselberger said, "Ron's handy outside pocket to hold drum model.
gig is one of the most demanding in sticks. The features of this pad are: 1) Heavy
the business. He's got to back any act Duty Circular Bass Drum pad and, 2)
that may come on the show, from funk Plastic moulding around each playing
to pop, to C&W, to show tunes. His surface, 3) The rubber practice pad play
equipment has to look right, sound right ing surfaces are mounted on an addi
and be dependable. We're proud that he tional 3/4" plywood base in order to
chose Tama". Ron has high praise for give the sticks a more solid reaction,
Tama drums himself. "Having to change especially if metal drum sticks are
styles and feeling several times a day can used. Each rubber practice pad play
be tough on both me and my drums. ing surface may be detached from the
Tama drums help me to control tone practice set in order to be placed on
and dynamics better than any drums the drum set. This is a reversible model
I've every played. They're really the in that when the drum set is not around,
first drums to be perfect for any style these pads may be screwed back to the
of playing." Ron plays a Tama Mars practice drum set. The sizes of the de
SX set which includes a 14" x 24" tachable pads are for a 14" snare drum
bass drum, 9" x 13", 10" x 14" and and for 12", 13" and 16" tom toms.
16" x 18" tom toms with a 5" x 14" When purchased separately, these same
King Beat snare. Ron's hardware is all pads are listed as Models # 14, 12, 13
Tama Titan. Tama Drums are available & 16.
exclusively from: Elger Company, P.O.
Box 469, Cornwells Heights, Pa. 19020,
in the east, and Chesbro Music Com
pany, 327 Broadway, Idaho Falls,
Idaho 83402, in the west.
LATIN PERCUSSION GRADES
RAWHIDE CONGA, BONGO HEADS
Effective immediately, Latin Percus
sion, Inc. has introduced special pack
aging for their unmounted rawhide
conga and bongo heads, that has the
unique feature of grading the weight of
the head into "thin", "medium" or
"heavy" categories, thus making it pos
sible for a dealer and/or customer to
obtain heads suited to his requirements.
This service is offered at no extra charge
and is something that should be apprec
iated by all concerned, according to a
spokesman for the firm. In addition,
the a t t r a c t i v e threecolor package adds
great saleability to the product.
For additional information write
Latin Percussion, Inc., 454 Commercial
Avenue, Palisades Park, New Jersey
07650, telephone: 20194780678068.
P E T E R M A G A D I N I JOINS LUDWIG OFFERS NEW PAYSON
N O R L I N C A N A D A AS PROFESSIONAL TIMPANI MALLETS
P E A R L C L I N I C I A N Ludwig Industries, the makers of the
worldrenowned Ringer Timpani, are
Norlin Musical is pleased to an now offering a top professional Payson
nounce the a p p o i n t m e n t of Peter Mag Series of T i m p a n i Mallets.
adini as Canada's first Pearl Drum Clini Professional timpanists hold Payson
cian. Mallets in the highest regard. They're
handcrafted. Handles are made of bal
anced rock maple for minimum flex.
Quality heads have an inner core of hard
maple, and are covered with a unique
seamless sack made of the finest felt.
The special cover without stitches in
sures a consistently better sound over a
longer period of time. Color coded
bands identify mallet hardness (soft,
medium, hard), and make it easy to
select a mallet in a concert situation.
Payson Mallets cover all possible sound
ranges.
W i t h this latest edition, Ludwig now
offers the most complete line of timpani
mallets both for the professional tim
panist with the eye and ear for the ul
timate quality mallet as well as all
other playing levels.
MD is a brand new, exciting publication created and written by drummers, for drummers exclusively. It offers
you complete and accurate coverage of the total spectrum of modern drumming.
Each of our forthcoming issues will be highlighted by probing and enlightening feature interviews with some
of the top professionals on the scene, from every field of drumming.
Our educational columns will offer you valuable advice, tips and guidance from the most reputable authori-
ties in every phase and facet of the instrument from Rock and Jazz, to Latin, Studio work, and Teaching.
MD will keep you up- to- date on the latest in playing styles and abreast of recent developments in materials,
products and equipment.
Whatever your age, specialty, playing level, or ability . . . whatever your aspirations in the fast paced, ever
changing world of modern percussion, MD will get it all together, four times a year, FOR YOU.
IF YOU'RE SERIOUS ABOUT DRUMMING, YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO MISS OUT. SO WHY WAIT?
SUBSCRIBE NOW. ONLY $4.00 FOR A ONE YEARS SUBSCRIPTION TO MODERN DRUMMER -
THE CONTEMPORARY MAGAZINE CREATED EXCLUSIVELY FOR DRUMMERS.
(Outside U.S.A. $5.00)
Check or money order; Mail to: Modern Drummer Publications, 47 Harrison St., Nutley, N. J. 07110